This chicken teriyaki burger for toddlers replicates the template from the smashburger on our site–golden brown outside, creamy middle, nutrition packed in–with a slightly sweeter profile, thanks to the addition of teriyaki sauce. You could, of course, leave the kale out, of course--but why? There may be no better place to hide vegetables than a burger, my friend.
Check out our other great burger recipes or all our great chicken recipes for kids!
This burger keeps things simple but thoughtful. You’ll find:
You can serve it as-is or add a thin spread of ketchup, a slice of cheese, or even a little grilled pineapple for a fun variation.
It's a one-bowl, one-pan kind of recipe—just the way weeknights should be.
Can I freeze these patties?
Yes! Freeze raw patties between layers of parchment paper. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Is this burger too salty for toddlers?
Not at all. The teriyaki flavor is kept light, and you can always opt for a low-sodium sauce if desired.
What age is this appropriate for?
Once your toddler is confidently chewing and managing mixed textures—usually around 18 months and up—this burger can be a great addition to their plate.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free.
And check out all of our great dinner recipes!
Chicken teriyaki probably isn’t the first flavor that comes to mind when you think of toddler meals—but this burger just might change that. Mild, slightly sweet, and packed with hidden veggies, this toddler-friendly take on the classic chicken teriyaki burger is tailor-made for little hands and picky eaters. It’s juicy, easy to chew, and totally customizable based on what your child likes (or doesn’t like) this week.
We often treat this like a burger for our toddler: put it on a bun, slather it in favorite condiments, and cut into the appropriate sized pieces. But it’s great for an infant served straight up–plenty flavorful on its own–and can be stuffed into a myriad of finger foods: empanadas, dumplings, and so on.
Don’t have, or don’t want to use, teriyaki? You could substitute with pretty much any sauce: BBQ, ranch, etc. My recommendation: pour in some leftover “green sauce” (p.xx)--feel free to hold the kale–and you’ll get a creamy, unctuous burger in its own right. Trust me, it’s great–and your child won’t know the difference.
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 burger
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
